The Romanian Air Force – a new Enhanced Air Policing Mission in the Baltic airspace

The Romanian Air Force will begin a new Enhanced Air Policing Mission in the Baltic airspace on Wednesday, April 1st, as part of Romania's commitment to NATO's collective security.

 

The "Carpathian Vipers" Detachment, consisting of approximately 100 military personnel and six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, has been deployed to Lithuania, at the Šiauliai Air Base, and will conduct Enhanced Air Policing Service between April 1st and July, 2026.

 

The Romanian soldiers’ mission is to protect the integrity of the Baltic States’ airspace and represents a fundamental component of NATO's commitment to its members. The Romanian Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets permanently ensure early warning and intervention to clarify the aerial situation, enforcing legal measures against the aircraft that use the airspace of the Baltic States without authorization.

                                                                         

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The Romanian Air Force is on its fourth deployment to Lithuania, where they ensured the protection of the integrity of the Baltic States’ and NATO’s airspace.

 

The first Air Policing mission was conducted between August and October 2007, consisting of a detachment of 67 soldiers and four MiG-21 LanceRs from the 71st "General Emanoil Ionescu" Air Base. The second and third missions were executed between April and July 2023 and April and, respectively, July 2025, with 100 soldiers and four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 86th "Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță" Air Base.

The Press Office